Ajiaco, sancocho and mondongo: a guide to Colombian soups
In Colombia, soup is not a starter. A good bowl is lunch, and on a cold day it is the reason to go out at all. We keep three on the menu at Tentaciones, and they are very different from each other.
Ajiaco
Ajiaco is the soup of Bogotá, the capital. Ours is chicken and potato soup with added herbs and corn. It is thick and gentle, the one to order if you have never had Colombian soup before.
Sancocho de gallina
Sancocho is one of the most popular soups in Colombia and across Latin America, and there are many regional versions. Ours is a thick soup of root vegetables and different types of meat in a broth, flavoured with herbs. It is the heartiest of the three.
Mondongo
Mondongo is the one for people who already love Colombian food. It is a warm, comforting stew made with beef tripe, onion, garlic, bell peppers, carrots, potatoes, tomato sauce and coriander.
Which one to pick
First time: ajiaco. Very hungry: sancocho. Feeling brave, or missing home: mondongo. If you are ordering for the table, get two and share.
Where to find them
All three are on the menu at Tentaciones, 50-52 Foveaux St, Surry Hills, a short walk up the hill from Central Station. We open at 11am on weekdays and 9am on Saturday and Sunday, and stay open until 10pm on Fridays.
Chicken and potato soup with added herbs and corn.
One of the most popular soups in Colombia and Latin America. Thick soup made with root vegetables and different types of meat in a broth, flavored with herbs (coriander or parsley).
A warm and comforting stew made with beef tripe, onion, garlic, bell peppers, carrots, potatoes, tomato sauce, and coriander.